Enjoy Our Beautiful Marine Parks In Seychelles

Amazing Marine Parks In Seychelles

This week we feature some our beautiful marine parks in Seychelles. Seychelles is a tropical paradise for visitors. And especially so for those interested in marine life. Seen as a storehouse for marine biodiversity, Seychelles is also part one of Conservation International’s designated hotspots in the Indian Ocean. The marine biodiversity is the basis for two economic sectors tourism and fisheries which is why significant measures have been taken to protect the underwater environment.

Below are some of the beautiful marine national parks in Seychelles:

St. Anne Marine National Park

Located only about 5 km from the island of Mahe, this marine national park is a fabulous destination for tourists visiting Seychelles. It was declared a marine park in 1973, the first in the western Indian Ocean.
Various aquatic activities like swimming and snorkeling are also offered to tourists visiting the park. The numerous beaches here allow tourists to enjoy a relaxing holiday in the heart of nature. The St. Anne island also hosts several historical sites since it served as the location of the first French settlement in 1770. There are several resorts in the area that offer the perfect vacation packages to tourists seeking a peaceful getaway amidst natural splendor.

Port Launay Marine National Park

This marine park includes eight beaches and the luxurious Ephelia Hotel within its boundaries. It is the country’s only marine park that is accessible both by sea and land. Whale shark sightings at this park attract many visitors. Snorkelling is also a favorite activity of the tourists visiting the park.

Praslin National Park

The second biggest terrestrial national park of Seychelles is located on the island of Praslin, the second biggest island in the archipelago. The park that was established in 1979 has a total area of 324 hectares and includes a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vallée de Mai, within its limits. The elevation of the national park ranges from 80 m to 367 m. The ‘Glacis Noire’ Trail in the national park is popular among tourists and ends with a spectacular view of the surrounding sea and its islands. Several varieties of endemic plants grow in the national park.

Ile Coco Marine Park

The last one to become a marine national park in the year 1997. It is located 7 kilometres north of La Digue. It is set around three small islets in shallow waters surrounded by a coral reef. The park is a spectacular spot for snorkelling and diving with popular daily trips from La Digue and Praslin. Visit to the island is done during the day and can be organised through tour or boat operators.

Curieuse Marine National Park

This marine national park, also founded in 1979, is well-known for its rich collection of flora and fauna including several endemic species. The park includes the Curieuse Island and its surrounding waters. The coco de mer plant that produces the world’s largest nut, is endemic to this island and the Praslin island. Visitors to this national park are offered a variety of activities like exploring the park through the guided nature trails, snorkeling, diving, bird-watching, etc. The park also hosts a mangrove swamp that is accessible to visitors via a boardwalk through the swamp. Giant tortoises are a special attraction on the island.